Paul Henderson Explodes for 5 Points in Red Wings Comeback Win

On October 27, 1966, the Detroit Red Wings hosted the New York Rangers at Detroit Olympia, still searching for their first win of the young 1966-67 season. After dropping their first four games, frustration was building, until Paul Henderson delivered a performance for the ages.

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Game Highlights

• Paul Henderson records 4 goals and 5 points

• First of four career NHL hat tricks for Henderson

• Red Wings earn first win after 0-4 start

• Detroit rallies from 2-0 deficit

• Henderson scores natural hat trick in second period

• Henderson & Norm Ullman combine for 9 points

• Gordie Howe and Alex Delvecchio held pointless

• High-scoring battle ends in 5-4 Detroit victory

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The game didn’t start in Detroit’s favour. The Rangers jumped out to a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Bernie Geoffrion and Don Marshall, putting the Red Wings on the brink of a fifth straight loss. But momentum began to shift midway through the second period when Norm Ullman got Detroit on the board, finishing a play set up by Henderson.

Just 31 seconds later, Henderson struck for his first goal of the night, assisted by Ullman and Gary Bergman, igniting the home crowd and completely flipping the script. From there, Henderson took over.

He completed a natural hat trick with more than five minutes remaining in the second period, turning a 2-0 deficit into a Red Wings lead in stunning fashion. Although Marshall added another for New York just before the period ended to keep things tight, Henderson wasn’t finished.

At 12:55 of the third period, Henderson scored his fourth goal of the game, his fifth point overall, to seal the victory for Detroit. It was a dominant individual effort that powered the Red Wings to a much-needed 5-4 win.

Henderson and Ullman were unstoppable together, combining for five goals and four assists while accounting for 13 of Detroit’s 49 shots on Ed Giacomin. Remarkably, legends Gordie Howe and Alex Delvecchio were held off the scoresheet entirely.

Despite the loss, the Rangers saw strong production from their own stars. The trio of Geoffrion, Marshall, and Phil Goyette, all former Montreal Canadiens, combined for eight points in a game that showcased offensive firepower on both sides.

1972: The Series That Changed Hockey Forever

A compelling look at the iconic 1972 Summit Series — how it reshaped international hockey and captivated fans around the world.

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Bobby Orr Dominates as Bruins Crush Kings 11-2 in Boston Blowout

On November 14, 1971, the Boston Bruins delivered a ruthless performance at Boston Garden, overwhelming the Los Angeles Kings by a staggering 11-2 score. The Kings entered the matchup struggling, with just three wins in their first 16 games of the 1971-72 season and things only spiraled further once the puck dropped.

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Key Highlights

• Bobby Orr records 6 points, including a hat trick
• Bruins score 11 unanswered goals after early deficit
• Phil Esposito posts 5-point night (2G, 3A)
• Ed Westfall adds 4 points (1G, 3A)
• Boston dominates with 35 shots on goal
• Kings struggle continues with lopsided loss
• Gary Edwards faces full game in net under heavy pressure

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Los Angeles briefly held the lead after Eddie Joyal opened the scoring just over two minutes into the first period. But that early goal quickly became a footnote. Boston responded with relentless offense, turning the game into a one-sided showcase of firepower and precision.

At the center of it all was Bobby Orr, who delivered a masterclass performance with six points, two in each period. He began by assisting on Phil Esposito’s goal before scoring one of his own later in the first. Orr struck again early in the second period, then added another assist before closing out his night in style with a third-period hat trick goal.

The offensive explosion didn’t stop there. Esposito finished with five points (two goals, three assists), while Ed Westfall contributed four points with a goal and three assists. Mike Walton also found the scoresheet as Boston piled on. Orr was especially aggressive, leading all players with eight of the Bruins’ 35 shots on goal.

Despite facing a barrage all night, Kings goaltender Gary Edwards remained in net for the full 60 minutes, a tough assignment against one of the most dominant teams of the era. By the final horn, the Bruins had turned a brief early deficit into a commanding and unforgettable rout.

Bobby: My Story in Pictures

A visual celebration of Bobby Orr’s groundbreaking career — through photos and memorable moments.

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Pete Stemkowski: A Gordie Howe Hat Trick Beside Mr. Hockey Himself (1968)

When the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings pulled off a blockbuster trade on March 3, 1968, it reshaped both franchises. Heading to Detroit was Pete Stemkowski, along with Carl Brewer, Frank Mahovlich, and Garry Unger. In return, Toronto received Paul Henderson, Norm Ullman, Floyd Smith, and Doug Barrie.

• Massive March 3, 1968 trade sends Pete Stemkowski from Toronto to Detroit
• Game played at Detroit Olympia early in the 1968–69 NHL season
• Stemkowski records an assist on Gary Bergman’s first-period goal
• Drops the gloves with rugged forward Reg Fleming just 44 seconds later
• Adds another assist on Alex Delvecchio’s game-tying goal
• Scores his first goal of the season in the third period
• Completes a Gordie Howe Hat Trick (goal, assist, fight)
• Shares the ice with Gordie Howe during the milestone performance
• Finishes the season with a career-high 21 goals
• Goes on to record five 20+ goal seasons in his NHL career

Stemkowski finished the 1967-68 season with Detroit, but it was clear early in the following year that he was ready to elevate his game. Just three games into the 1968-69 season, the Red Wings hosted the New York Rangers at the historic Detroit Olympia and Stemkowski made sure his presence was felt.

The Rangers had to contend with more than one “Big Pete” that night. Pete Mahovlich contributed a goal and an assist, but the spotlight belonged to Stemkowski. Late in the first period, he set up Gary Bergman for the game’s opening goal against goaltender Ed Giacomin. Moments later, the intensity ramped up when Stemkowski dropped the gloves with tough guy Reg Fleming, earning five minutes for fighting in a spirited exchange.

After Bob Nevin scored twice to give New York the lead, Stemkowski answered again, this time setting up Alex Delvecchio to tie the game in the second period. By the third, with Detroit in control, Stemkowski capped his performance with his first goal of the season, assisted by Delvecchio and Bruce MacGregor.

The result? A classic Gordie Howe Hat Trick, a goal, an assist, and a fight, all while sharing the ice with Gordie Howe himself. Howe had a quieter night with a single assist, but the performance from Stemkowski showed he was ready to make his mark in Detroit.

That season, Stemkowski scored 21 goals, surpassing his previous career high of 13 set with Toronto in 1966-67. It was just the beginning of a productive stretch, as he would go on to record five 20-goal seasons in his NHL career, two with Detroit and three later with the Rangers.

The Franchise: Detroit Red Wings: A Curated History of Hockeytown

Explore the storied history of the Detroit Red Wings — legends, moments, rivalries, and the culture that made Hockeytown iconic.

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Mikita & Maki Strike Shorthanded on the Same PK as Blackhawks Demolish Flyers 12-0 (1969)

On January 30, 1969, at the Spectrum, the Philadelphia Flyers endured one of the most lopsided defeats in NHL history. The visiting Chicago Blackhawks unleashed an offensive explosion, piling up 12 goals on 49 shots in a game that spiraled out of control almost immediately.

• Date: January 30, 1969
• Game: Chicago Blackhawks vs Philadelphia Flyers
• Final Score: Blackhawks 12, Flyers 0
• Key Moment: Stan Mikita and Chico Maki score shorthanded goals on the same penalty kill
• Standout Performers: Dennis Hull (5 points), Pit Martin (5 points), Jim Pappin (hat trick)
• Goaltending: Denis DeJordy (37-save shutout)
• Notable Stat: Flyers goalies combine to allow 12 goals on 49 shots

Ironically, the rout began while Chicago was shorthanded. Just 1:56 into the first period, Dennis Hull was sent to the penalty box for holding. Instead of giving the Flyers momentum, the Blackhawks flipped the script. Only ten seconds into the penalty kill, Stan Mikita scored his 18th goal of the 1968-69 season, beating Doug Favell unassisted.

Before Hull’s penalty expired, Chicago struck again. Chico Maki added another unassisted shorthanded goal at 3:07, stunning the home crowd and setting the tone for what would become a historic blowout.

From there, things only worsened for Philadelphia. By the time Dennis Hull netted his second goal of the night late in the first period, the score had ballooned to 6-0. Favell, having allowed six goals on just 15 shots, was replaced by Bernie Parent. Parent fared no better statistically, surrendering six goals of his own on 34 shots over the remaining two-plus periods.

Despite the one-sided scoreline, Chicago goaltender Denis DeJordy was kept busy, turning aside 37 shots to secure the shutout.

The offensive outburst was a full-team effort. Dennis Hull and Pit Martin each recorded five-point nights, while Bobby Hull, Chico Maki, Eric Nesterenko, and Jim Pappin all contributed three points apiece. Pappin stood out with the game’s only hat trick, capping off a night the Flyers would rather forget.

The Big 50: Chicago Blackhawks (The Men and Moments that Made the Chicago Blackhawks)

Relive the greatest players, personalities, and turning points in Blackhawks history in this countdown of the 50 most influential figures and moments that shaped the franchise.

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6,338 Days Later: Dionne Sets Up Lafleur in a Full-Circle NHL Moment

A Draft Day Connection Years in the Making

At the 1971 NHL Amateur Draft, two future legends began their journeys just one pick apart. Guy Lafleur was selected first overall by the Montreal Canadiens, while Marcel Dionne went second to the Detroit Red Wings.

Both players went on to have incredible individual careers. Lafleur became synonymous with dynastic success in Montreal, winning five Stanley Cups, while Dionne established himself as one of the most prolific scorers in NHL history, despite limited playoff opportunities.

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A Rare Reunion on Broadway

Their careers unexpectedly converged years later in New York. Dionne arrived first, traded from the Los Angeles Kings to the New York Rangers on March 10, 1987.

Lafleur followed ahead of the 1988-89 season, ending a three-year retirement to join the Rangers. It didn’t take long for the former draft rivals to connect.

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6,338 Days Later… A Goal

On October 16, 1988, at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers hosted the Vancouver Canucks.

At 7:22 of the first period, Lafleur scored his first goal as a Ranger and his first since returning to the NHL. The goal came on the power play against goaltender Steve Weeks, with assists from Dionne and Brian Mullen.

A full 6,338 days after being drafted one-two, Dionne was helping Lafleur find the back of the net.

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Flashes of the Old Magic

Lafleur wasn’t done. Just 3:37 later, he picked up an assist on a power-play goal by Brian Leetch, showing glimpses of the brilliance that made him a legend.

But despite the early spark, the Rangers couldn’t hold the lead. Vancouver responded with goals from Normand Rochefort and two from Petri Skriko to secure a 3-2 comeback win.

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History Repeats Against Montreal

Less than a month later, on November 11, 1988, Lafleur faced his former team for the first time at MSG. In a fitting twist, he once again scored the Rangers’ opening goal, again assisted by Dionne.

However, just like their earlier game, the result didn’t go New York’s way, as the Canadiens claimed a 4-2 victory.

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A Unique NHL Full-Circle Moment

Hockey history is full of remarkable connections, but few are as poetic as this one. Two players drafted back-to-back in 1971, each taking vastly different career paths, reunited nearly two decades later to combine on a goal.

For Lafleur and Dionne, it was more than just a point on the scoresheet. It was a full-circle moment that tied together the beginning and twilight of two Hall of Fame careers.

Guy Lafleur: Autobiography

The story of the legendary Canadiens superstar — speed, scoring, and stardom in Montreal.

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Marcel Dionne's NHL Milestone Goals

A tribute to one of hockey’s greatest scorers, this book highlights Marcel Dionne’s most memorable milestone goals and the moments that defined his remarkable NHL career.

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The Night Butch Goring Dominated His Future Stanley Cup Team

Long before becoming a key piece of the New York Islanders dynasty, Butch Goring gave them a firsthand look at his brilliance.

Game Highlights

• Butch Goring recorded a 4-point night (2 goals, 2 assists), factoring in all four Kings goals
• Los Angeles Kings defeated the New York Islanders 4-1 on March 28, 1974
• Goring assisted on Mike Corrigan’s opening goal in the first period
• Denis Potvin tied the game shortly after to make it 1-1
• Goring scored the game-winning goal late in the second period (25th of the season)
• Added a second goal early in the third period (26th of the season)
• Picked up another assist on a goal by Bob Nevin
• Corrigan recorded a Gordie Howe Hat Trick (goal, assist, fight)
• Goring took a minor penalty: his only penalty of the entire 1973-74 season
• Performance came years before Goring joined the Islanders and helped win four straight Stanley Cups

On March 28, 1974, at the The Forum in Los Angeles, Goring dominated the Islanders in a 4-1 victory for the Los Angeles Kings, factoring in every single goal.

At the time, this was still pre-Marcel Dionne in Los Angeles, and Goring was the offensive engine of the Kings. He proved it early in this one. Midway through the opening period, he picked up an assist on Mike Corrigan’s 16th goal of the season, with Bob Nevin also drawing a helper.

The Islanders answered quickly, as Denis Potvin tied the game less than two minutes later, sending the teams into the intermission deadlocked at one.

From there, it became the Goring show.

Late in the second period, Goring scored his 25th goal of the season, set up by Tom Williams and Sheldon Kannegiesser, a goal that would stand as the game-winner. He struck again early in the third for his second of the night, then added an assist on another Nevin goal to complete a dominant four-point performance.

While Goring controlled the scoresheet, Corrigan added a different kind of flair. His goal and assist were complemented by a third-period fight with Garry Howatt, giving him the rare Gordie Howe Hat Trick.

Goring’s night, however, had its own unique footnote. He took a minor penalty for hooking in the first period, remarkably, the only penalty he recorded during the entire 1973–74 season.

Years later, Goring would join the Islanders and help deliver four straight Stanley Cups. But on this night in 1974, he was the one doing the damage against them and perhaps planting the first seeds of what was to come.

Tales from the Los Angeles Kings Locker Room

A collection of the greatest Kings stories ever told — from the locker room to unforgettable moments on the ice.

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John Bucyk Scores Four, But Bruins Stunned by Expansion Islanders

On January 18, 1973, what looked like a mismatch on paper turned into one of the most surprising high-scoring games of the season. The powerhouse Boston Bruins, dominant throughout 1972-73, hosted the struggling expansion New York Islanders at Boston Garden and few could have predicted what followed.

The Islanders entered the game with just four wins in their first 45 games in the NHL. Boston, meanwhile, had lost only eleven times in 43 games. But the visitors flipped expectations on their head early, racing out to a stunning 5-0 lead and silencing the home crowd.

John Bucyk finally got the Bruins on the board late in the first period, scoring his 21st of the season against Billy Smith, with assists from Bobby Orr and Wayne Cashman. Bucyk stayed hot, adding two more goals in the second period to pull Boston back within striking distance.

He completed his four-goal performance at 12:37 of the third period, bringing the Bruins within one at 8-7. However, Billy Harris responded with his second of the night just minutes later, sealing a wild 9-7 victory for the Islanders.

The scoring depth for New York was remarkable. Former Bruin Ed Westfall, Don Blackburn, and Harris each scored twice, and nearly every Islanders skater recorded a point. Even in defeat, Boston’s stars produced: Wayne Cashman had a four-point night (two goals, two assists), while Phil Esposito and Bobby Orr each chipped in three assists.

Boston’s struggles didn’t end there. Two nights later, they were shut out 3-0 by the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena, with Jim Rutherford earning the win and former Bruin Eddie Shack assisting on the game-winner.

As for the Islanders, they couldn’t sustain the momentum immediately, dropping their next game to the St. Louis Blues. However, they quickly bounced back in emphatic fashion, routing the California Golden Seals 8-1 in their following outing.

Boston Bruins: Greatest Moments and Players

A celebration of the iconic history of the Boston Bruins — from legendary players to unforgettable moments.

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Bobby Gould’s Big Moment in Washington’s First Playoff Run

The Washington Capitals endured a long and difficult start after entering the NHL in 1974-75. With just eight wins in their inaugural season and no playoff appearances in their first eight years, success seemed distant for the struggling expansion franchise.

That finally changed in 1982-83. The Capitals posted their first winning season and finished third in the Patrick Division, just two points behind the powerhouse New York Islanders, who also happened to be their first-ever playoff opponent.

In Game 1 of that opening-round series, Bobby Gould made franchise history. At 4:01 of the first period, he scored the Capitals’ first playoff goal against Billy Smith, with Dennis Maruk picking up the assist. Gould added another goal in the game, though Washington fell 5-2.

He stayed red-hot in Game 2, scoring twice, including the game-winner, to give the Capitals their first playoff victory. But after that, the Islanders took control, eliminating Washington in four games before continuing their march to another Stanley Cup.

Despite the short series, Gould left his mark with five goals in four games, an unforgettable performance that helped launch Capitals playoff history.

Washington Capitals: Team History

A look back at the history of the Washington Capitals — from expansion years to modern success.

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Dave “The Hammer” Schultz: First NHL Goal or First Fight - Which Came First?

When you think of Dave Schultz, one thing immediately comes to mind: fists flying. But in a surprising twist, “The Hammer” didn’t start his NHL career with a fight, he started it with offense.

During the 1972-73 season with the Philadelphia Flyers, Schultz quickly established himself as one of hockey’s most feared enforcers. By season’s end, he had piled up an eye-popping 259 penalty minutes in 76 games, along with nine goals. But his first real impact in the NHL didn’t come in the penalty box.

After a quiet debut, Schultz made his presence felt in just his second NHL game, a dominant 7-3 Flyers win over the Vancouver Canucks. At 9:38 of the second period, Schultz scored his first career NHL goal, beating goaltender Dunc Wilson off a setup from Bobby Clarke. He wasn’t done there, in the third period he added his first assist, helping set up a goal by Don Saleski. Notably, Schultz stayed out of the penalty box entirely that night, something that would soon become a rarity.

Just two games later, everything changed. Facing the Detroit Red Wings at the historic Detroit Olympia, Schultz finally introduced the league to his other skillset. In a heated third period of a 5-0 loss, Schultz dropped the gloves with Thommie Bergman at 16:44, earning his first NHL fighting major.

The penalties piled up quickly. Along with the fight, Schultz received a double minor, an elbowing minor, and a ten-minute misconduct, totaling 21 penalty minutes in a single game. It was a sign of things to come.

That season, the Flyers cemented their reputation as the infamous “Broad Street Bullies,” leading the NHL with 1,756 penalty minutes, nearly 500 more than the St. Louis Blues. Schultz led the league in penalty minutes, edging teammate Bob Kelly by 21 minutes, while teammates like Saleski, Andre Dupont, and Gary Dornhoefer also ranked among the league’s most penalized.

Dave Schultz: The Hammer

The story of Dave Schultz — the iconic Broad Street Bully whose toughness defined an era of Flyers hockey.

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Jacques Plante’s Smashing Debut With the Boston Bruins

When Jacques Plante joined the Boston Bruins late in the 1972-73 season, few could have predicted just how memorable his short stint would become. At 44 years old and nearing the end of a legendary career, Plante had only a handful of games left in the National Hockey League but he made every one count.

Plante was traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs to Boston on March 3, 1973, in a deal that included draft picks and a future consideration, goaltender Ed Johnston. Just one day later, he was already in net for his Bruins debut at the iconic Boston Garden.

His opponent? The formidable Chicago Blackhawks, who were still a dangerous club despite missing superstar Bobby Hull during the 1972-73 campaign. But on that night, they had no answer for Plante.

Turning back all 27 shots he faced, Plante recorded the 81st shutout of his career in a flawless 4-0 victory. He would add one more shutout before retiring, finishing with 82, an extraordinary total that underscored his place among hockey’s all-time greats.

Offensively, Phil Esposito wasted no time setting the tone, scoring just 59 seconds into the game and adding another before the first period ended. Goals from Fred O'Donnell and Ken Hodge in the second period sealed the win. Chicago’s Gary Smith faced a heavy workload, stopping 38 shots, including eight from Esposito alone.

Before the trade, Plante’s final appearance with Toronto came in relief against the St. Louis Blues. Replacing Ron Low late in the game, he stopped all five shots he faced to help preserve a 4-2 victory. It was a fittingly steady final moment before embarking on one last memorable chapter in Boston.

In just eight regular-season games and two playoff appearances with the Bruins, Jacques Plante proved that greatness doesn’t fade easily. Even at 44, he could still dominate the crease and deliver history when it mattered most.

On Goaltending: Fundamentals of Hockey Netminding by the Master of the Game (Jacques Plante)

Legendary goaltender Jacques Plante shares his expert insights on the art of netminding, offering timeless techniques, strategies, and fundamentals for goalies at every level.

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Marcel Bonin’s Forgotten 5-Assist Night Powers Canadiens Rout in 1959

When fans reflect on the legendary late-1950s dynasty of the Montreal Canadiens, a handful of iconic names immediately come to mind: Jean Béliveau, Maurice Richard, Bernie Geoffrion, Jacques Plante, and Doug Harvey. But buried beneath that star-studded legacy is a lesser-known contributor who delivered a truly unforgettable performance: Marcel Bonin.

Bonin’s NHL career was brief, but impactful. While he only played a role in the final three championships of Montreal’s five straight Stanley Cups, he proved that even secondary names on a dynasty roster could shine brightly when given the moment.

That moment came on March 7, 1959, at the Montreal Forum, when the Canadiens hosted the Detroit Red Wings. On paper, it looked like a classic showdown. Detroit featured Hall of Fame talent including Gordie Howe and Alex Delvecchio up front, with elite netminder Terry Sawchuk between the pipes. Instead, the game turned into a one-sided explosion.

Montreal dominated from start to finish, steamrolling Detroit in a stunning 10-2 victory. While Bonin didn’t find the back of the net himself, he played a pivotal role in the offensive onslaught, assisting on five of the Canadiens’ ten goals.

Three of those helpers set up Béliveau, while the other two went to Dickie Moore. Bonin’s linemates were unstoppable. Béliveau recorded a hat trick and added four assists for a jaw-dropping seven-point night, while Moore chipped in with four assists of his own for six points.

It remains one of the most lopsided and offensively dominant games of the era and a night where Marcel Bonin, often overlooked in hockey history, quietly etched his name into the Canadiens’ dynasty lore.

Stories From The Epic History Of NHL Hockey (Volume IV)

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Chuck Lefley’s Shorthanded Game-Winner Caps Canadiens Rout of Red Wings in 1974

On February 15, 1974, the Montreal Canadiens wasted no time electrifying the crowd at the Montreal Forum, jumping on the Detroit Red Wings almost immediately. Just ten seconds into the game, Yvan Cournoyer lit the lamp, beating Detroit goaltender Doug Grant with assists from Chuck Lefley and Guy Lapointe. It was another lightning-fast strike for Cournoyer, who had tied the Canadiens’ franchise record earlier that season with a goal just nine seconds into a game.

Montreal kept the pressure on throughout the opening period, building a commanding lead with a relentless offensive surge. By the late stages of the first, the Canadiens had already piled up four goals, overwhelming Detroit with their speed and precision. Then, in an unusual twist, Cournoyer found himself in the penalty box for a hooking minor at 18:55.

What followed only added to Montreal’s dominance. Just 20 seconds into the penalty kill, Lefley struck shorthanded for his 15th goal of the 1973-74 season, finishing a play set up by Pete Mahovlich. The goal pushed the score to 5-0 and ultimately stood as the game-winner in a wide-open 9-4 Canadiens victory.

The chemistry between Lefley and Cournoyer resurfaced early in the third period. Cournoyer netted his 33rd goal of the season, this time with assists from Lefley and goaltender Wayne Thomas. It was part of a remarkable night for Montreal’s offense, with six players recording three-point performances, including Guy Lafleur, Lapointe, Frank Mahovlich, Pete Mahovlich, and Henri Richard.

Selected sixth overall in the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft, Lefley carved out a solid NHL career spanning over a decade. He appeared in 407 regular season games and added 29 playoff contests between 1970-71 and 1980-81 with the Canadiens and the St. Louis Blues. A two-time Stanley Cup champion, Lefley recorded four 20-goal seasons, highlighted by a career-best 43 goals and 85 points with St. Louis in 1975-76.

Stories From The Epic History Of NHL Hockey (Volume IV)

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Bobby Hull’s 6-Point Explosion vs. Leafs Help Power Historic 1965-66 Season

During the 1965-66 NHL season, Bobby Hull delivered one of the most dominant offensive performances of his legendary career. The Chicago Blackhawks superstar shattered his own single-season goal record with 54 goals, capturing both the Art Ross Trophy and the Hart Trophy. A significant portion of that success came at the expense of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who struggled to contain “The Golden Jet” all season long.

Hull wasted no time making his presence felt against Toronto, recording a hat trick in the season opener. But it was his unforgettable six-point performance later in the year that truly stood out. Across 14 games versus the Leafs, Hull piled up an incredible 21 points, scoring 11 goals and adding 10 assists in a display of pure offensive dominance.

On November 7, 1965, the Blackhawks, still undefeated, hosted Toronto at the iconic Chicago Stadium. The game quickly turned into a rout, as Chicago stormed out to a 5-0 lead after just one period. Hull set the tone early, assisting on a goal by Phil Esposito, which stood as the game-winner, and later adding another helper on a shorthanded tally by Chico Maki.

The second period saw Hull take over offensively. He scored twice against legendary goaltender Terry Sawchuk, with assists from Esposito, Stan Mikita, and Pierre Pilote. In between those goals, Hull added yet another assist, this time on Mikita’s second goal of the season, bringing his point total to five through two periods.

Hull capped off his incredible night in the third period, scoring his third goal of the game at 12:55 to complete the hat trick and reach six points. He led all skaters with eight shots on goal, showcasing his relentless attack. Meanwhile, Glenn Hall was equally impressive in net, turning aside 40 shots to secure the shutout in a dominant 9-0 victory.

The Golden Jet: A Spectacular Career In Stunning Photographs

A visually rich tribute to Bobby Hull’s legendary career, featuring stunning photographs that capture the speed, power, and charisma of one of hockey’s greatest goal scorers.

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A One-Man Offense: Eddie Joyal’s Hat Trick Heroics with the 1968-69 Los Angeles Kings

During the 1968-69 NHL season, Eddie Joyal delivered the finest offensive campaign of his career, leading the Los Angeles Kings with 33 goals. Among those tallies were the only two hat tricks of his NHL career, both remarkable performances in which Joyal accounted for every bit of offense his team produced.

The first came on December 4, 1968, when the Kings hosted the Philadelphia Flyers at the Forum. Philadelphia opened the scoring early in the first period, but Joyal responded with a game-tying goal, his seventh of the season, beating Bernie Parent with assists from Bill White and Real Lemieux. The game remained deadlocked until the third period, when Joyal took over completely.

He broke the tie midway through the final frame with an unassisted marker, then sealed the victory with another goal late in the period to complete the hat trick and secure a 3-1 win for Los Angeles. Joyal led all players with seven shots on goal in the contest, while Kings goaltender Gerry Desjardins turned aside all but one of the 14 shots he faced.

Joyal’s second hat trick came on February 19, 1969, in a road game against the Minnesota North Stars. Once again, he was the driving force offensively, scoring three goals, his 25th, 26th, and 27th of the season, and adding an assist on a Bill Flett goal. Despite his efforts, the Kings fell 7-4 in a high-scoring affair. Joyal fired eight shots on goal, matching Minnesota’s Bill Goldsworthy, who also had a big night for the home side.

Over the course of his NHL career, Joyal appeared in 465 games between 1962-63 and 1971-72, skating with the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings, and Philadelphia Flyers. He later extended his professional career in the WHA, playing 239 regular-season games and adding six playoff appearances with the Edmonton Oilers.

Stories From The Epic History Of NHL Hockey (Volume IV)

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Bobby Clarke Powers Flyers With Rare Special-Teams Hat Trick

On March 28, 1974, at the Omni in Atlanta, Bobby Clarke delivered one of the most unusual hat tricks of his NHL career. The Philadelphia Flyers captain scored all three goals in a 3-3 tie against the Atlanta Flames but what made the performance truly memorable was that none of the goals came at even strength. For Clarke, it was all special teams: two shorthanded goals and one power-play tally.

The game began with immediate adversity for the Flyers. Just 12 seconds after puck drop, Rick MacLeish was sent to the penalty box for hooking. Instead of Atlanta taking advantage, Clarke flipped the script. At 1:06 of the opening period, he scored shorthanded, his 31st goal of the season, with assists from Barry Ashbee and Bill Barber.

By the time the third period arrived, Atlanta held a 2-1 lead thanks to goals from Jacques Richard and Bryan Hextall. Hextall made his presence felt in more ways than one, engaging in first- and second-period fights with Bob Kelly and Andre Dupont. He nearly added a third scrap in the final period when both he and Jimmy Watson received double-minor penalties.

Clarke struck again at 5:40 of the third period. With Butch Deadmarsh serving a hooking penalty, Clarke capitalized on the power play to tie the game, assisted by Barber and Tom Bladon. The tie didn’t last long. Just 17 seconds later, Keith McCreary restored Atlanta’s lead. But Clarke wasn’t finished.

At exactly nine minutes of the third period, he completed the hat trick, again while shorthanded. Ed Van Impe had been in the penalty box for only nine seconds when Clarke found the back of the net, securing the 3-3 draw and sealing one of the most unique three-goal performances of his career.

Clarke finished the 1973-74 NHL season tied with Ralph Stewart of the New York Islanders for the league lead in shorthanded goals with five. Over the course of his Hall of Fame career, Clarke recorded 32 shorthanded goals, tying him for 17th all-time alongside Peter Bondra, Dave Keon, and Joe Sakic. Of course, that total still sits well behind the NHL record of 73 shorthanded goals, held by Wayne Gretzky.

So You Think You're a Philadelphia Flyers Fan?: Stars, Stats, Records, and Memories for True Diehards

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Pete Mahovlich Scores Two Goals in Five Seconds for Canadiens Record in 1971

On February 20, 1971, Pete Mahovlich etched his name into the NHL record book with one of the fastest scoring bursts the league had ever seen.

Before that night, the record for the fastest two goals by the same player belonged to Nels Stewart, who scored twice in just four seconds during a 1931 game between the Montreal Maroons and Boston Bruins. The next fastest belonged to Howie Meeker, who scored two goals six seconds apart in 1952.

Mahovlich didn’t quite break Stewart’s record, but he came incredibly close. During a matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and Chicago Blackhawks at the Montreal Forum, Mahovlich scored twice in five seconds, placing himself between Stewart and Meeker in the NHL record books.

The game itself offered little suspense for the Montreal crowd. The Canadiens dominated early, jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the first period before the frame was halfway finished. They extended the lead to 4-0 early in the second period and carried a 5-1 advantage into the third.

Rejean Houle got Montreal rolling with the first two goals of the game. Phil Roberto followed with three consecutive tallies, with Jean Béliveau assisting on all three.

Then came Mahovlich’s historic moment.

At 12:16 of the third period, Mahovlich beat Blackhawks goaltender Tony Esposito for his 26th goal of the 1970-71 season, assisted by John Ferguson. Just five seconds later, at 12:21, Mahovlich struck again, once more with Ferguson setting him up, for his 27th goal of the season.

While it fell just short of the NHL record, Mahovlich’s rapid-fire scoring remains the fastest two goals in Montreal Canadiens franchise history. Remarkably, those two goals were also Mahovlich’s only shots on net in the entire game.

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Defenseman Carol Vadnais Scores Hat Trick For Rangers In Wild 8-6 Loss To Maple Leafs (1976)

When the Boston Bruins traded Phil Esposito and Carol Vadnais to the New York Rangers on November 7, 1975, the return package included stars Brad Park and Jean Ratelle along with Joe Zanussi. It was one of the biggest deals of the decade, and Vadnais quickly made his presence felt on Broadway. In his first 22 games with New York, the defenseman recorded two four-point performances.

One of those standout games came on January 4, 1976, when the Rangers hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs at Madison Square Garden. Vadnais opened his scoring at 4:50 of the second period, beating Toronto goalie Wayne Thomas for his seventh goal of the 1975-76 season. The tally, assisted by Pete Stemkowski and Walt Tkaczuk, briefly gave New York a 2-1 lead.

Toronto quickly seized control, however, scoring four straight goals to take a commanding 5-2 lead into the third period.

Any thoughts of a quiet finish vanished almost immediately. Vadnais struck again just 23 seconds into the final frame, with assists from Rod Gilbert and Esposito. Later in the period, Lanny McDonald scored shorthanded for Toronto at 11:46, igniting a remarkable stretch of offense. Over the next 2:33, the teams combined for five goals, at the time the ninth-fastest sequence of five goals in NHL history and still among the fastest ever recorded.

Vadnais assisted on the fourth goal of that flurry, Gilbert’s 13th of the season, before completing his hat trick at 19:09 with helpers from Gilbert and Esposito. The late surge wasn’t enough to overcome Toronto’s earlier outburst, and the Rangers fell 8-6 in one of the season’s wildest games.

Despite the loss, Vadnais finished with three goals and an assist, while Gilbert added a four-point night of his own with two goals and two assists. Vadnais also led all shooters in the game with seven shots on goal.

Tales from the New York Rangers Locker Room

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NHL Hockey Card Greats: Carol Vadnais [Video]